Housing forum
A forum titled “The Housing Crisis for Newly Arrived Migrants: What Can We Do?” will be held at the Harvard Congregational Church, 5 Still River Road, on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m., sponsored by state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, the Middlesex-Worcester Democratic Coalition, and the Democratic Town Committee of Harvard and area towns. A panel of speakers will discuss the issue from a variety of perspectives, and the forum will focus on what we all can do to welcome and assist affected families in our communities. Registration is requested to attend in person or on Zoom at https://forms.gle/kgbmo8qwwZKT3jdJ6.
Flood relief business loans
Following the unprecedented flooding in Leominster and surrounding communities earlier this month, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation has announced the North Central Emergency Relief Loan program. The program provides up to $10,000 with a 1% interest rate with fees waived for eligible businesses. Learn more at tinyurl.com/29xwwdcu.
Assistance in recovery efforts is also available through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce; contact help@northcentralmass.com. Visit the resources page at northcentralmass.com/flood-resources for the latest guidance from local, state, and federal authorities.
Devens events
- Sept. 28: Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ free tour of the SPARC facility located at 117 Hospital Road at 4:15 p.m. Register at tinyurl.com/5xphmnf4.
- Oct, 1: Mustang Car Club of New England All Wheels Car Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 31 Andrews Parkway.
- Oct. 4 and 7: Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit devenshhw.com for more information.
- Oct. 5: Devens Harvest Fest from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Verbeck Field Complex. Pumpkin painting and hay rides.
Town Meeting is Oct. 21
Town Meeting will take place Saturday, Oct. 21, noon, at the Bromfield School’s Cronin Auditorium.
Native lawn alternatives
Alexis Doshas, Native Plant Trust staffer, will discuss how homeowners, land stewards, gardeners, and landscape professionals can better support biodiversity and create a healthy ecosystem through the use of native ground covers, at the Garden Club meeting, Monday, Sept. 25, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 15 Still River Road. The public is welcome.
Free house number signs
Residents can sign up for a free reflective house number sign to make their driveway more visible to first responders. There are also signs for homes on a shared driveway; sign up with your neighbor.
To sign up or report any issues with your sign, email Jen Schoenberg, at jschoenberg@harvard-ma.gov or call the Council on Aging at 978-456-4120, and provide your name, address, contact number and an email address when you request a sign.
The town asks that residents keep their signs clear of snow and foliage so that they are visible throughout the year.
Cultural Council accepting grant applications
The Harvard Cultural Council is accepting fiscal 2024 grant applications for community-based projects. Applications are due Oct. 17. Activities considered for annual grant funding include community gatherings such as concerts, plays, and festivals; arts, science, and environmental education in the schools and at the public library; and projects focusing on local history and diversity, restoration, and preservation. To view a video about how to apply, go to massculturalcouncil.org. To apply, visit massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com.
Run against hunger
The Nashoba Valley Medical Center Hunger Run takes place Oct. 14, starting at 10 a.m. at 200 Groton Road, Ayer. All proceeds go to Loaves & Fishes food pantry. Register at.runreg.com/9th-
annual-hunger-run-5k-2023.
Volunteer opportunities
The Select Board is seeking two citizens at large to serve on the newly created Transfer Station Committee, which will review current function, services, and use of the Transfer Station and provide recommendations to ensure its future viability. If interested, fill out the form at harvard.seamlessdocs.com/f/volunteerform.
Other vacancies for volunteers may be found at harvardmaboards.vt-s.net/vt.php. Questions can be directed to Executive Assistant Julie Doucet at jdoucet@harvard-ma.gov, or phone 978-456-4100 ext. 312.
Flu clinics
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health’s flu clinic schedule for the 2023-24 flu season can be viewed at harvard-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif676/f/uploads/flu_clinic_23_schedule.pdf. The full flu clinic schedule, registration links, and FAQ are posted on NABH’s website at nashoba.org/calendar.
Recycle!
Recycle Your Reusables 2023 takes place Oct. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Ayer Shirley Middle School, 1 Hospital Road, Shirley. Materials accepted include bikes, electronics, household items, mattresses, and musical instruments.
To volunteer for a three-hour shift, sign up at tinyurl.com/RecycleYourReusables2023; email recycleyourreusables@gmail.
com; or phone 413-348-9353.
Loaves & Fishes food pantry
This food pantry, located at 234 Barnum Road, Devens, offers drive-thru access for those needing help with groceries. Hours are first Tuesday of the month, 5 to 7 p.m., and Wednesdays, Fridays, and third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Upcoming dates are Sept. 22, 27, and 29. View the full 2023 calendar at tinyurl.com/43ft9d5e.
For more information, visit loavesfishespantry.orghttps://loavesfishespantry.org or tinyurl.com/bdcrjf4k.
Devens noise report
- Through Sept. 30: multiple small arms
- Sept. 28: rocket range.
